Facing Dr. Zola, who had transferred his consciousness into a computer network, Kurogai felt no real interest. Zola was no longer a man — just a program clinging to old memories and data.
All this talk about morality, being both good and evil, and possible recruitment meant nothing to Kurogai. His purpose was simple: eliminate Hydra at its roots. There was no room for negotiation, especially not with a relic like Zola.
At Kurogai's command, the Winter Soldier raised his metal arm and began smashing through the rows of ancient computers.
"No, no, stop! Don't destroy me! I can give you information — valuable secrets! I can tell you everything about Red Skull's history, Hydra's ultimate plans, anything you want! Please!"
The terrified voice of Dr. Zola crackled through the speakers, his face flickering on the dusty screens. Each blow from Winter Soldier's arm caused sections of the network to go dark, and with them, Zola's awareness flickered and shrank.
It was ironic — a program capable of experiencing fear. Kurogai narrowed his eyes, watching the digital face contort with terror. It was almost a pity.
"I didn't expect a program to feel fear. I suppose you really did copy all of Zola's twisted traits," Kurogai said coldly.
From a certain perspective, Zola was still alive — his consciousness preserved in circuits and code. But Kurogai had no intention of leaving this place intact. Winter Soldier continued, smashing system after system as Zola pleaded desperately.
"I'll tell you anything — Hydra's final plan, their hidden assets, their remaining leaders. You don't have to do this!"
Kurogai remained unmoved, standing silent while Winter Soldier reduced the room to wreckage.
At last, with a final, violent punch, Winter Soldier crushed the last operational computer. Zola's agonized wail cut off mid-sentence, and the entire base fell silent.
"Burn it down," Kurogai ordered. "Then, we move to the next Hydra facility."
Though Zola's primary core had been destroyed, Kurogai wasn't naive enough to believe there weren't backups scattered somewhere. Persistent enemies like Zola had a nasty habit of resurfacing when you least expected it. Kurogai wasn't about to leave any loose ends.
Moments later, a massive explosion lit up the abandoned facility. A wave of scorching heat engulfed the structure, reducing it to burning rubble. Dr. Zola's remnants were erased, his data and memories consumed by fire.
Without delay, Kurogai conjured a spatial portal. He and Winter Soldier stepped through, emerging in a desolate mountainous region.
According to the memories Kurogai had extracted from Alexander Pierce, a major Hydra base was concealed in this remote wilderness. And this one was different. It was larger, more heavily fortified — the personal stronghold of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, one of Hydra's most dangerous surviving leaders.
Baron Strucker wasn't just a Hydra officer; he was a living relic of war. A veteran of both World Wars, a contemporary of Red Skull, and one of Hydra's original founders. Taking him out would deliver a devastating blow to what remained of Hydra's command structure.
Standing atop a hill, Kurogai gazed at the camouflaged installation in the distance.
"First, barrier magic. No one leaves alive."
Kurogai raised his hand, intricate magical sigils forming in the air before dissolving into the ground. A massive invisible barrier spread like a cage around the entire facility, trapping everyone inside.
For Kurogai, magic wasn't just a tool for offense — it was a methodical, calculated art. No one would escape this net.
"Now, Winter Soldier — kill every Hydra soldier in that base. Leave only the top officers alive. I want information."
Winter Soldier gave a brief nod and charged toward the gate without hesitation.
Inside the Hydra base, a watchman spotted the advancing figure.
"Captain! We've got a hostile approaching the front gate!"
The Hydra captain barely hesitated.
"Kill him!"
"Yes, sir!"
Machine gun emplacements on the battlements opened fire, a hail of bullets cutting through the night air. But against Winter Soldier's enhanced physique and combat skill, conventional firearms meant little. He ducked, weaved, and dodged with supernatural speed, reaching the gate in seconds.
Planting a high-yield explosive, he retreated a few steps and hit the detonator.
Boom!
With a thunderous explosion, the gate shattered, debris flying in every direction. The entrance to Baron Strucker's stronghold lay wide open.
The slaughter had begun.
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